Arnold wins 'Good Neighbor' honor
Originally opened in 1940 with seating for 1,100, the Varsity Theatre survived and often thrived through fires, remodels and six decades of change before closing in 2003.
Longtime community member Allen Arnold, however, had a vested interest in the historic building since his uncle built the screens and performed other work for the theater. Thanks to Arnold's family trust, which has donated $130,000 for restoration, the Varsity Center reopened in 2008 and continues to grow as a beloved local venue for music, films and other community events in downtown Carbondale.
In honor of his dedication, Arnold has earned a "Good Neighbor" Award from WSIU Public Broadcasting's "One Region, All Neighbors" Initiative.
Arnold was nominated for the award by his neighbor, Charlie Howe, who said that "Allen is a community builder and philanthropist" who comes from a family of community builders.
"I love going to the Varsity," Howe continued, "and I am so glad that Carbondale has this community venue that has been used in so many ways for cultural opportunities and for the vitality of the downtown business district."
The Ed and Bessie Arnold Family Trust, named for Arnold's grandparents, supported the theater's ongoing rebranding and renovation efforts. Presently, two of three performance spaces are complete, including the newest Balcony Stage, a 137-seat listening room and small performance area with state-of-the-art lights and sound. In 2017, film screening equipment returned movies to the historic venue.
"The main motivation was to create a permanent home for the Stage Company and revitalize our city, partly in memory of my uncles and dad," added Arnold, a builder, designer and developer who served as an educator and consultant for many years following his time in the Air Force. He continues to work in property management "seven days a week because it keeps me active. It keeps my back from hurting."
The "Good Neighbor" Award recognizes those who make a positive impact in the community. Each month, winners are chosen from nominations submitted by the public.
WSIU encourages the public to participate in the "One Region, All Neighbors" campaign by nominating neighbors online at wsiu.org/neighbor.